Inquiries Worth Directing to a Psychologist
If you're new to therapy, you might be wondering how progress is measured or what to expect. This article aims to provide some clarity and help you prepare for your therapeutic journey.
Firstly, it's essential to understand that psychologists, who are doctors of psychology, can provide psychotherapy, psychological assessments or testing, and diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They can also prescribe medication in five states in the U.S.
When choosing a therapist, considering factors such as their ability to prescribe medication, the type of therapy they provide, their personal qualities, and whether they accept your insurance is crucial. You should also ask about the types of therapy or treatment they offer, their areas of expertise, and if they have treated people with similar conditions as yours.
Asking about a therapist's therapeutic approach, qualifications, how the therapy process will be structured, and whether their treatment methods have been effective for similar issues can help you find the right psychologist for you. Additionally, clarifying whether the therapist is a licensed psychological or medical psychotherapist accepted by health insurance is important.
The method of delivering therapy has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many therapists now offering telehealth services. You can choose to see a therapist in person or online, depending on your preference and the therapist's availability.
A good way to gauge a therapist's suitability is to ask questions before starting treatment. You can ask about the standard process of therapy, your potential therapist's fees, and whether they accept insurance. It's also important to determine if your potential therapist is willing to answer your questions.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, usually begins with an intake session to get a background and set goals. You should have clear goals for what you want to work on in therapy. A therapist will set goals with clients in a collaborative manner to help determine a timeline for treatment.
Some therapists may use session rating scales to determine progress, while others may collaboratively evaluate goals and steps toward goals. Asking if a therapist sees clients in person or through telehealth will help you find the right form of treatment for you.
Remember, asking about a therapist's expectations outside of sessions can help you prepare for therapy better. You can ask a therapist what you should expect out of therapy to set realistic expectations and get the most out of your therapeutic journey.
In conclusion, navigating therapy can seem daunting, but asking questions and understanding the process can help make it a positive and productive experience.
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